Most Schools Closed, And Headteachers Join Dispute

Just five States schools will be open next Wednesday (July 5) as teachers walk out in a dispute over pay.

Now, headteachers have joined the industrial action, in another overwhelming ballot to strike.

The NAHT says 86% of its members voted to walk out, and 98% supported action short of striking.

The union has decided to work to rule to begin with, starting on 5 July - the same day teachers in the NEU will be walking out.

The 'action short of strike' means that they will only do their core responsibilities and won't 'engage with government requests' such as answering calls and emails outside their working hours, submitting risk assessments about managing the impact of the industrial action or attending meetings after 4pm.

NAHT general secretary, Paul Whiteman says the action is happening because the States Employment Board 'refuses to budge'.

"For too long, our members in Jersey have faced below-inflation pay settlements against a backdrop of unsustainable increasing workload.

Both are fuelling a crisis in the recruitment and retention of school staff on the island, which can be difficult at the best of times.

Our members have now said loud and clear that enough is enough. Going out on strike is the last thing we want, but without decisive action by the government in Jersey to settle this dispute our members may be left with little choice if they are to secure a fair deal and protect children’s education now and in the future."

Teachers are in a dispute over pay after rejecting a 7.9% pay offer by the SEB.

The vast majority of States schools will be closed, with just five remaining open.

Those closing on 5 July are:

Primary Schools

• d'Auvergne
• ​First Tower
• ​Grands Vaux
• ​Grouville
• ​Janvrin
• ​La Moye
• ​Les Landes
• ​Mont à L’Abbé
• ​Plat Douet
• ​Rouge Bouillon
• ​Samares
• ​Springfield
• ​St Clement's
• ​St John's
• ​St Lawrence
• ​St Luke's
• ​St Mary's
• ​St Saviour's
• ​Trinity
• ​Victoria College Prep

Secondary Schools

• ​Grainville
• ​Haute Vallee
• ​Hautlieu
• ​Jersey College for Girls
• ​Le Rocquier
• ​Les Quennevais
• ​Mont à L’Abbé
• ​Victoria College

Open schools

• Bel Royal
• Jersey College Prep
• La Sente/ La Passarelle
• Mont Nicolle
• St Peter's 

You can find the list here.